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The Pwoje Fanm or "Women’s Projects”
For my act this week, I want to share my sister-in-law, Sandra, with Evoke. A few years back, she and other members of her church in Arkansas began a partnership with the Pwoje Fanm women’s vocational program on the island of La Gonâve in Haiti. In addition to offering financial assistance, crafting expertise (from beading to quilting and beyond), and friendship, Beatitudes, a nonprofit, offers the women from the vocational program an outlet to sell their wares in a more affluent market with the women receiving a fair wage and profit going back into the vocational program.
While I'm more than happy to vouch for Beatitudes' good work and note that I regularly slip my daughters some money to buy jewelry produced by the women of Pwoje Fanm for their mother whenever we are visiting, I mostly want to get others to think about how they can make purchasing decisions that better women's lots. Is there a fair trade, handicraft store featuring women's products in your neighborhood? If not, check the internet. Purchase one holiday gift a year (or more) from a source like my sister-in-laws.
In a world where money still holds so much sway, you empower with your check book.
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Comment by Ternura Rojas on April 8, 2010 at 6:59am -
My cousin owns a Fair Trade shop in Puerto Rico "La Chiwiña", although it is sometimes diffcult to attarct customers, she keeps sturggling because she would not let her female providers down :-)
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Comment by Lynn Caldwell on April 8, 2010 at 4:27pm -
There's no Fair Trade shop in my little town - but there is an Oxfam shop. I buy a lot from local market traders and there are quite a few imaginative unemployed locals who do a great line in funky knits for babies...we are in the midst of a general election - lets hope the bright sparks who say that no one paid under 10,000 should pay income tax get through....
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Comment by Josh Judkins on April 11, 2010 at 12:21am
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This is an awesome encouragement to share, Mark - to support women in these areas through our purchasing dollar via fair trade shops. Thanks!
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Comment by Margie Alsbrook on April 11, 2010 at 4:25am -
Cool Arkansas connection, and love the idea about using our purchasing power more effectively.
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